Which molecules are known to have high energy bonds and can drive ATP synthesis?

Prepare for the UofT BCH210H1 Biochemistry I midterm with exam-like questions. Access detailed solutions and explanations for proteins, lipids, and metabolism topics. Strengthen your understanding and excel on test day!

The correct choice highlights phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and phosphocreatine as molecules with high energy bonds that play significant roles in driving ATP synthesis.

Phosphoenolpyruvate is a key intermediate in glycolysis and has one of the highest energy phosphate groups encountered in metabolic pathways. The high energy associated with the phosphate bond in PEP allows it to transfer its phosphate group to ADP, forming ATP in a reaction catalyzed by pyruvate kinase. This substrate-level phosphorylation is a crucial step in energy metabolism, particularly during anaerobic respiration.

Phosphocreatine, on the other hand, serves as a rapidly mobilizable reserve of high-energy phosphates in muscle and brain tissues. It can quickly donate a phosphate group to ADP, regenerating ATP in a process facilitated by the enzyme creatine kinase. This is particularly important during short bursts of intense activity when ATP demands suddenly increase.

Understanding the roles of these molecules is paramount since they are integral to energy production, particularly in high-demand states. The other choices involve molecules that do not exhibit the same direct capacity to drive ATP synthesis through high-energy phosphate transfer.

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